Missing priest found dead in parked car; police say he may have been there three days

A missing priest from Luton has been found dead and slumped over the wheel of his car outside a supermarket.

Father Joseph Williams, 42, is believed to have lain undiscovered in his car at Morrisons’ car park in Houghton Regis for three days from 27 December.

Bedfordshire Police said they were called to the car park on Monday. A spokesman said the priest had been in the car “for some time”.

Father Williams is thought to have died of “natural causes”.

Writing on the Diocese of Northampton website, the Bishop of Northampton, the Right Reverend Peter Doyle, said: “It is with much sadness that I write to let you know that Father Joseph Williams died suddenly while out shopping on Friday, 27th December.

“Although there has to be a post-mortem, it would seem that he died of natural causes.

“Please pray for the repose of Joe’s soul, for his family and for his parish. May he rest in peace.”